Socceroos Power Rankings: 35-21

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Who is No.1 ... we come up with the Socceroos pecking order. Source:FOX SPORTS

Welcome to the Socceroos Power Rankings - your chance to play the role of Holger Osieck and scour the globe and debate the pecking order of Aussie players vying for a spot in the national squad on the road to Brazil.

To kick-start the countdown to the first big game in 2013 – Tuesday night's qualifier against Oman in Sydney – a Fox Sports football roundtable of Simon Hill, Andy Harper and Robbie Slater have ranked their top-50 Australian footballers.

It's subjective, it's opinionated and it's going to provoke great debate.

Their criteria was simple: if you are the coach, who are the first names on your team sheet right now, based on form and fitness? 

Join the debate and don't forget to join us again Friday morning for the next batch of squad contenders.

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Will he or won't he ... Chris Herd. Source: AFP

35. Chris Herd: will he, or won't he? The Aston Villa utility could provide a quality option for the Socceroos in midfield or as an alternative across the backline, but each time he's been called up, he's been injured. Until he makes his debut, there will be conjecture that he will opt to represent Scotland.  

34.Trent Sainsbury: Graham Arnold has a terrific track record bringing youth into the A-League via the Mariners, and Sainsbury is top of the class this season. A classy, poised centre-back, he could be one to keep any eye on as an option – perhaps sooner rather than later. Has represented Australia at U-17 and U-20.

33. Luke DeVere: A terrific impression over 65 caps at Brisbane saw De Vere leave the A-League for Gyeongnam FC. The move hasn't thrust him into Socceroos colours just yet, but if we are to have depth at centre-back beyond Lucas Neill, De Vere is one of the players we need to reach the potential he showed in the A-League and get regular game time. 

32. Richard Garcia (18 caps): thrown to the wolves against Germany at the 2010 World Cup in Durban, Garcia fell off the Socceroos radar after a knee injury ruled him out of the 2011 Asian Cup. But he returned to the squad for the East Asian Games qualifiers and the former Hull City man's sharp form and leadership for Melbourne Heart sees him back in contention and an experienced option should Osieck need him. 

Left-foot ... Rukavytsya Source: AP

31. Adam Taggart (3): one of the real bolters in the Socceroos ranks. The Newcastle Jets striker was one of the real beneficiaries of the East Asian Games qualifiers – scoring twice. Definitely on the radar as a lively, high quality player up front with an eye for goal. Pace, skill, confidence - he's highly rated by a number of our panel. 

30. Jade North (39): a decade in the national team is testament to North's versatility and reliability despite his lower profile. A return to the A-League after a spell in Asian club football should see him get regular game time – and with that, you'd expect him to be on the cusp of selection, jostling for that second centre-back spot or providing cover on either flank. In line for a start on Tuesday night. 

29. Nikolai Topor-Stanley (2): you could have been ridiculed for mentioning this a few years back but Topor-Stanley has been a revelation at Western Sydney Wanderers and has a bullet next to his name in the eyes of our Power Ranking selectors. Gone is the clumsy giant at the back, replaced by a mobile, consistent and towering presence. His left-foot adds another string to his bow and it's easy to see him creeping into the squad over the coming months. 

Highly rated ... Aaron Mooy. Source: News Limited

28. Eugene Galekovic (6): our Save of the Week catalogue is almost a Galekovic showreel. The Adelaide United custodian has been outstandingly consistent since moving to Hindmarsh Stadium and his call-up for the Oman game is due recognition of that. An amazing shot-stopper, Galekovic has every chance to pip one of our overseas contingent to make our top three keepers and go to his second World Cup.

27. Aaron Mooy (2): Mooy was one of Western Sydney Wanderers' key signings, returning home after a two-year spell with St Mirren in Scotland. He hasn't disappointed, showing a tremendous range of passing and discipline in his role in the middle of the park. He hogged the headlines at the East Asian Games qualifiers with two stunning free-kicks.

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26. Michael Thwaite (10): The Perth Glory centre-back's return to the Socceroos ranks is a feel good story – and a great A-League yarn. The highly talented defender has been singled out by Osieck as someone he trusts and is a huge shout of forging his way into Osieck's first-choice pairing. Thwaite made his debut back in 2005, but after some difficult times abroad, he is finally back where he belongs.

25. Robert Cornthwaite (6): talk about being at the right place at the right time. The former Adelaide United defender stepped in at short notice against South Korea last year and hasn't looked back, popping the odd goal in for fun and becoming one of Osieck's favourites. Can he maintain it? He needs to get back into the side at Chunnam Dragons if he is serious about becoming a first-choice centre back. 

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24. Nikita Rukavytsya (11): the flying left-footer is someone the public has had its eyes on since he burst onto the scene at Perth Glory in 2007, but the 25-year-old hasn't been able to quite nail a spot in the Socceroos squad. He was in Pim Verbeek's plans, and made it onto the pitch in South Africa, but game time and goals at Mainz in the Bundesliga is vital if he wants to return to the frame for the big games.

23. Brett Emerton (95): the much loved veteran, who made his debut way back in 1998, isn't completely out of the reckoning despite a few struggles at Sydney FC since his return home. He led the way at the East Asian Games qualifying and scored a superb winner against Hong Kong. If Osieck needs another wise head, Emerton has never let the Socceroos down and would love to bring up the century of caps. 

22. Adam Federici (8): The No.2 in South Africa still appears to hold that mantle, although injury keeps him out of the current squad. He has worked his way back into Reading's first team after a shaky start to life in the Barclays Premier League, and it will be interesting to see what the future holds should The Royals slip back into the nPower Championship. His headlines a line of deputies who should be able to provide sound cover for Mark Schwarzer.

21. Matt Spiranovic (16): the 24-year-old's selection here is a curious one, perhaps more on hope than results. Now at Al Arabi in Qatar, Spiranovic was the next big thing when he made his debut in 2008 while playing in Germany for FC Nuremberg. He hasn't kicked on since, nor found the consistency, but at his best is a poised, ball-playing centre-half who should, in theory, complement Lucas Neill.  

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The country's quest to qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil re-starts on Tuesday night. Australia are locked in a dogfight with Oman, Iraq and Jordan for the second automatic spot in Group B, eight points behind Japan. You can watch this vital clash live and in stunning HD from 6.30pm (EDT) on Fox Sports 1 HD, with kick-off from 7pm.

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Ashwin dominates Aussies yet again

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Chief destroyer ... Ashwin dominated the Aussie batsmen on day one. Source: Noah Seelam / AAP

Trailing three-nil in the four-match series, Australia's batsmen showed their usual ability to get starts and get out on Friday's opening day of play, slumping to 7-136 before reaching 8-231 at stumps thanks to some determined efforts from their tail.

4th Test - Feroz Shah Kotla

22 March 2013 - Day 1, Session 3

Australia 1st Innings

P. Siddle	47	125	4	0	37.6
J. Pattinson	11	57	1	0	19.3
R. Jadeja	22	6	34	2	1.55

But Delhi has form as a dangerous pitch and Australia's quicks aim to exploit any terrors in the wicket with some fearsome fast bowling in the fourth Test on Saturday.

No.9 Peter Siddle will resume on a career-best 47 not out with James Pattinson on 11.

Steve Smith played a mature knock of 46 off 145 balls with three fours and two sixes, adding 53 for the eighth wicket with Siddle.

Opener Ed Cowan (38) and No.3 Phil Hughes (45 including 10 boundaries) also got starts.

Hughes was struck on the helmet by a nasty rising delivery from Ishant Sharma and played a ball onto his stumps in the same over.

Offspinner Ravi Ashwin led the way for India with 4-40 off 30 overs, giving him 26 wickets for the series.

Smith says a score of 280 would be a reasonable effort on this pitch.

"It's not too often you see the wicket turning like that the first day of a Test match," Smith said.

"It is going to be pretty tough.

"There's not too many balls that go through the top like the one that hit Hughesy.

"If we'd seen a few more of those they might have called the match off.

"It is going to be good for us to bowl (on that pitch).

"It's not too often on the first day of a Test match you see a ball going through the top like that and hitting a bloke in the grille (of the helmet).

"That would have shaken him up a little bit. It definitely would have shaken me up.''

The tourists made five changes on Friday. Shane Watson was recalled from his one-match "homeworkgate" suspension to take over as Australia's 44th Test captain in the absence of injured skipper Michael Clarke.

Australia boast a strong pace attack of Siddle, James Pattinson and Mitchell Johnson, plus spinners Nathan Lyon and Glenn Maxwell.

In sunny conditions on a dusty, cracked pitch already starting to show signs of variable bounce at Delhi's Feroz Shah Kotla ground, the visitors once again had no answer to India's spinners.

Australia haven't lost four matches in a Test series since the 1978/79 Ashes, which was during the turmoil of the breakaway World Series Cricket years.

Watson's men were well-placed at lunch at 2-94 after losing the wickets of David Warner for a duck and Hughes.

Five wickets tumbled for 30 in a middle-order collapse including the key dismissal of Watson stumped for 17.

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Follow all the day two action LIVE with our Match Centre, and watch it LIVE, EXCLUSIVE and in HIGH DEFINITION from 2.50pm (EDT) on Fox Sports 2.

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Caviar canters to 24th win

Smile for the photo ... Black Caviar brings up win 24 in the William Reid Stakes. Source: Joe Castro / AAP

Moonee Valley burst at the seams to farewell the immortal Black Caviar on Friday night and she cantered off the local stage with a typically effortless victory in the William Reid Stakes.

The race itself amounted to little more than an exercise gallop for the seven-horse field but Black Caviar's Melbourne swansong was always about the event rather than the race, as it has been for most of her epic 24 straight wins.

The packed house crowd of 25,000 burst into wild applause as Luke Nolen allowed Black Caviar to surge past stablemate Karuta Queen approaching the home turn.

Salmon and white streamers burst across the public lawn moments after Black Caviar crossed the line four lengths clear; a tickertape finale to a night of celebration never before seen on a Melbourne racetrack.

Trainer Peter Moody, paraded before the race like a rock star, said Black Caviar's impact on sport, let alone racing. had been "second to none".

"She put on a wonderful show," he said.

While the Black Caviar story is probably just two runs from reaching its end - one start in Sydney, another in Brisbane - Moody declared her at the peak of her powers.

"She's going super - it's scary how well she's going," he said.

"Just the way she let down and quickened. What do you say. I'm lost for words."

Nolen said his associaton with Black Caviar "has been a wonderful ride the whole time".

He added: "It's amazing to be part of not just a wonderful racing story but a (wonderful) sporting story."

"Thank God she didn't let anyone down tonight."

Like Moody, Nolen said Black Caviar had never been in better shape.

"She felt amazing to me," he said, adding he gave Black Caviar a gentle tap with the whip turning for home "just to keep her balanced and happy and she took care of the rest".

Moody said "you never say never" about Black Caviar racing again in Melbourne - a crack at a fourth straight Patinack Farm Classic in November would be the logical option, if any - but his strong sense on Friday night was that she had run her last race in Melbourne.

There was a profit to be made for some last night. One Sportsbet punter plonked $500,000 on Black Caviar, for a $15,000 profit.

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Dons destroy Crows

Party Time ... Ben Howlett celebrates one of his four goals in Essendon's rampant victory. Source: DAVID MARIUZ / AAP

Besieged Essendon emerged from a drugs cloud to open the AFL season with a spirited 35-point upset win against Adelaide on Friday night.

The Bombers showed tremendous ticker in their 18.9 (117) to 11.16 (82) away triumph at AAMI Stadium.

Essendon didn't score for the initial 20 minutes as they conceded the initial three goals, but then steamrolled the fancied Crows.

3.4 (22)	Q1	1.3 (9)
4.9 (33)	Q2	7.5 (47)
8.14 (62)	Q3	13.7 (85)
11.16 (82)	Q4	18.9 (117)

Taylor Walker 3	Ben Howlett 4
Richard Douglas 2	Alwyn Davey 3
Nathan van Berlo 1	Tom Bellchambers 1
Josh Jenkins 1	Stewart Crameri 1
Graham Johncock 1	Courtenay Dempsey 1
David Mackay 1	Brendon Goddard 1
Jared Petrenko 1	Michael Hibberd 1
Jason Porplyzia 1	Heath Hocking 1
	Nick Kommer 1
	Jake Melksham 1
	David Myers 1
	Brent Stanton 1
	Jobe Watson 1

Utility Ben Howlett sparked the Bombers' comeback and capped a best-afield game with four goals while Alwyn Davey booted three.

Essendon midfielders Jobe Watson, Dyson Heppell and Brent Stanton were prominent and ruckman Tom Bellchambers shaded big Crow Sam Jacobs.

Adelaide struggled for clear winners with Richard Douglas (two goals), on-baller Matthew Wright and defender Brent Reilly among their best while Taylor Walker kicked three goals from limited chances.

Leading into the match, coach James Hird hailed his players' resilience amid the club being investigated for possibly using banned drugs last season.

And his charges demonstrated terrific character to fight back after a fast-starting Adelaide streeted to an early 22-0 advantage.

Essendon didn't kicked a goal until the 27th minute of the first quarter and appeared fortunate to only trail by 13 points at quarter-time.

But the Bombers blitzed Adelaide with six goals to one in the second quarter, with Howlett kicking two and setting up another, as the victors took a handy 14-point break into halftime.

And their lively goalsneak Davey ensured they were never headed by booting three goals in the third quarter, including one from a controversial new law.

Adelaide's Reilly slid into Davey's legs while gathering the ball, only for the Bomber to be given the free kick under the rule which penalises any sliding into an opponent's legs.

The goal helped Essendon stifle Adelaide, who repeatedly threatened a comeback but, after their initial three-goal spree, couldn't kick consecutive goals for the rest of a match attended by 42,218 spectators. 

Goals

Essendon: B Howlett 4 A Davey 3 B Goddard B Stanton C Dempsey D Myers H Hocking J Melksham J Watson M Hibberd N Kommer S Crameri T Bellchambers.

Adelaide: T Walker 3 R Douglas 2 D Mackay G Johncock J Jenkins J Petrenko J Porplyzia N van Berlo.

Leading FOX FOOTY SuperCoach scorers:

Essendon: Howlett (164) Dempsey (124) Watson (121) Stanton (117) Hocking (93)

Adelaide: Jacobs (102) Wright (102) Douglas (91) Thompson (91) Walker (91)

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Pistorius brothers both have court dates

A LAWYER for Oscar Pistorius says his appeal against bail conditions will be heard on Thursday, a day after the culpable homicide trial of older brother Carl begins in another South African court.

Advocate Kenny Oldwadge has told The Associated Press that they have confirmation from Pretoria's North Gauteng High Court that the appeal is scheduled for March 28.

The Olympic athlete, charged with murder in the shooting death of Reeva Steenkamp, is challenging travel restrictions and having to report twice a week to a police station, among other conditions.

Oldwadge and prosecutors say Pistorius is not required to appear in court.

Carl Pistorius' trial is set for Wednesday and Thursday at a court south of Johannesburg. He was charged in the death of a woman in a 2008 road collision.

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Penrith refuse to rule out Carney

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Carney ... is on the radar of the Panthers. Source: Rohan Kelly / News Limited

Penrith refused to rule out making a play for Cronulla's Todd Carney with the cashed-up Panthers on the hunt for a star playmaker after missing out on Johnathan Thurston.

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Carney admitted during the week his contract talks have been called off because of the drug scandal surrounding the NRL club which resulted in Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan being stood down.

It leaves the NSW State of Origin five-eighth unsigned for 2014 with speculation clubs like Penrith and St George Illawarra are interested in Carney's services.

Penrith recently missed out on North Queensland superstar Thurston and while Cleary didn't want to talk about potential targets ahead of Sunday's home clash with South Sydney, he admitted they were looking for "good players".

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"I don't really want to talk about recruitment today. It's pretty obvious we've been active in the market last year. We've been making a lot of changes," Cleary said on Thursday.

"We're looking for good players but let's leave it at that."

The Panthers lost five-eighth Lachlan Coote for the season with a pectoral muscle tear with Cleary giving former Parramatta and Wests Tigers playmaker Tom Humble a shot at the No.6 jersey against the Rabbitohs.

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"That's the great thing about professional sport. One door closes and another one opens and I'm really confident Tom will do a good job for us," Cleary said.

"It's up to him to stand up and do himself proud and take the opportunity."

Humble, 24, who will make his Panthers' debut on Sunday, is delighted to get a crack in his favourite position after playing halfback in Penrith's final trial against Parramatta.

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"It's a huge opportunity for me to set myself for one position. I've played a utility role at the last couple of clubs and this is a chance to make a position my own," Humble said.

He believes the Panthers' pack hold the key to beating the Rabbitohs who have enforcer Sam Burgess returning from suspension after getting away with a 14-12 win over Cronulla on Monday.

"They don't get headlines like some other packs like Souths but they'll go forward against anybody and I'm looking forward to playing behind them," he said. 

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Storm clinch win over brave Bulldogs

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Ryan Hinchcliffe ... scores the first try for Melbourne in the grand final re-match. Source: Wayne Ludbey / News Limited

Melbourne Storm's spirited win over the Bulldogs has come at a cost with NRL superstar fullback Billy Slater placed on report for allegedly kicking the face of teenage prop David Klemmer.

4 Tries 3
Ryan Hinchcliffe 22'	Sam Perrett 43'
Mahe Fonua 36'	Krisnan Inu 71'
Matthew Duffie 63'	Kris Keating 75'
Lagi Setu 66'
3 Conversions 3
Cameron Smith 23'	Krisnan Inu 44'
Cameron Smith 65'	Krisnan Inu 72'
Cameron Smith 67'	Krisnan Inu 76'

Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy and Smith were bewildered by the call.

"What's Billy supposed to do with his foot ... chop it off?", said Bellamy.

"If he's catching a kick and he's gone up off the ground, he's not to be touched.

"If you touch him in the air, you're going to get penalised."

Bellamy said it was tough call that changed the game.

The Bulldogs scored through Sam Perrett in the ensuing set.

Smith said he'd seen the Test custodian take the ball in the same way since he started his career.

"Billy's been going up for high balls like that for as long as I can remember, he works on that every week at training," Smith said.

"I was quite mystified by that. 

"It was unintentional by Bill.

"David (Klemmer) hit Bill in the air so I don't know what else Bill is supposed to do there." 

Bulldogs coach Des Hasler said he didn't think the Slater incident was intentional.

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"It was probably just dangerous play," Hasler said.

He lamented his team's failure to make the most of their chances.

"It was two points we could have got tonight.

"It was all within our grasp and we'll take some hard lessons out of it.

"We probably had some genuine opportunities we didn't really capitalise on enough."

He said troubled fullback Ben Barba was a chance to play in their Good Friday clash with Souths and he will make a decision mid next week.

The Storm repeated their 2012 grand final performance with a 22-18 victory at AAMI Park, denying a thrilling late charge by the Bulldogs.

The home side took a halftime 10-0 lead but their second half couldn't have started any worse.

Slater leapt high to take a bomb and his boots made contact with the face of the Bulldogs forward.

The video referee said Slater had "kicked him'' with referee Ben Cummins putting the Test custodian on report for dangerous play.

Cameron Smith protested that Klemmer had attempted to tackle Slater in the air but Cummins told the skipper that Slater kicked the Bulldog "before anything else happened".

Slater was only available for this match after making an early guilty plea to a dangerous contact charge after he knocked out Antonio Winterstein early in last round's win over the Cowboys.

The rattled Storm a minute later conceded a try after Bulldogs five-eighth Josh Reynolds put a cross-field kick into the hands of winger Sam Perrett to touch down.

A Cooper Cronk try was then disallowed because of obstruction by Bryan Norrie and it looked like the Bulldogs were going to cause a boil-over.

But Melbourne regrouped and scored two tries within three minutes to look to have the match in their keeping.

Winger Matt Duffie showed his aerial credentials with a special leap to take a Cronk bomb before planting the ball in the 63rd minute and he was quickly followed by young forward Lagi Setu, who burrowed across the line.

Smith added the extras and the scoreline was out to 22-6.

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Re-live the game by clicking here and visit our NRL Match Centre, featuring play-by-play commentary and stats.

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However the Bulldogs showed some fight to strike back with two tries of their own.

Centre Krisnan Inu and halfback Kris Keating both crossed, with Inu converting to make it 22-18 with four minutes remaining.

They had a set of six 10m from the tryline but couldn't find the points they needed with the Storm defence holding firm.

Slater said after the match he only had eyes for the ball.

"I just go up for the footy and try to protect myself as best I can," he said.

"What they (officials) saw in it, I'm not too sure."

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Mel's A-League preview: R26

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Date/Time: 2012:10:12 12:34:45 Source:FOX SPORTS

Fox Sports football commentator Mel McLaughlin previews round 26 of the A-League season and gives you her tips for every game.

Melbourne Victory v Perth Glory, AAMI Park, Saturday 5:30 PM (EDT), FS1HD

RUN HOME:

Melbourne Victory - 3rd, 41pts, Perth (H), Phoenix (A)
Perth Glory - 8th, 28pts, Victory (A), Adelaide (H)

International Duty

Victory - Archie Thompson, Mark Milligan, Marco Rojas
Glory - Michael Thwaite, Shane Smeltz

On paper the Victory had no business taking a point against Sydney FC – if you look at the backline anyway, 17 year-old Dylan Murnane made his debut at left back to put a nice symmetry to the defence, Sam Galloway at right back is the same age, and captain Adrian Leijer was suspended. In fact they could have won, Marco Rojas and Archie Thompson uncharacteristically missing some gilt-edged chances in front of goal, Connor Pain as well.

The Big Blue was frantic, thrilling, edge-of-your-seat and end-to-end, the points probably justifiably shared but I'm sure I saw the two coaches age before my eyes.

The key attacking duo and Saturday's goal scorer Mark Milligan are all missing on international duty but Leijer returns from suspension, and Marcos Flores is back from injury. But will he be at his best? We haven't seen it yet in Victory colours but we know what he's capable of, and he'll have plenty of responsibility this weekend – Pain continues to impress in attack, if they click anything is possible.

Perth blew a big chance last week to already be sitting in the 6 – it's always the way – Wellington with nothing to lose travel over there, enjoy a few days in town then do the unthinkable, and beat last season's runners up and the team odds-on to win and continue their charge for the finals. That's football.

No Michael Thwaite in defence or Shane Smeltz up front are key losses and the suspension of Jacob Burns doesn't help – they only just got him back!

There's depth in the squad though and stability now at the top with the club announcing Alistair Edwards as head coach on a 3 year deal after a good start.

Travis Dodd is in line to slot in for Smeltz while Steve Pantelidis returns to replace Thwate, and you would think there would be enough experience in defence to deal with the youngsters the Victory will have up front. In theory, at least.

Can Ange Postecoglou ever be underestimated? Edwards faces another big challenge but having already picked up some points on the road the task won't seem out of reach – but they must remain positive after last weekend's damaging result. He says their strength is in attack, and they have to go for it.

I'm going out on a limb and tipping a desperate Glory, Victory are missing three of their finest.

Tip: Perth Glory

		P	W	D	L	GD	Pts
1	Western Sydney	25	17	2	6	17	53
2	Central Coast	25	14	6	5	23	48
3	Victory	25	12	5	8	3	41
4	Adelaide	25	12	4	9	3	40
5	Sydney	25	9	4	12	-8	31
6	Newcastle	26	8	7	11	-12	31
7	Brisbane	25	8	5	12	0	29
8	Perth	25	8	4	13	-3	28
9	Heart	25	8	3	14	-6	27
10	Wellington	26	7	6	13	-17	27

Western Sydney Wanderers v Sydney FC, Parramatta Stadium. 7:45 PM (EDT), FS1HD

RUN HOME:

Western Sydney - 1st, 52 pts, Sydney (H), Newcastle (A)
Sydney 5th - 31 pts, Western Sydney (A), Brisbane (A)

There are some big fixtures in all codes this weekend – but if you only watch one – it's this. Former Sky Blues now Western Sydney captain Michael Beauchamp has described it as "war", it's hard to tell who is more excited by this one, the players or the fans.

The final Sydney derby of the season, sold out in the blink of an eye, and it's in Wanderers' territory. The first time they met it was the Sky Blues who took the points, and that was expected. It was in Parramatta but there was a sea of Sky Blue shirts in the crowd. It's a very different story now, the Wanderers return home after achieving another milestone – an Australian football record of 10 straight wins, just unbelievable. And I daresay the ratio of red and black to blue will be very different. Should Western Sydney win, they'll lift the Premiers' Plate – a week before the regular season concludes, and against their fiercest rivals. A win for Sydney and they remain 5th regardless of how the other fixtures pan out and in a perfect position to stay in the 6 for the last round, and on to week one of the finals.

Tony Popovic must contend with the absence of Youssouf Hersi, Aaron Mooy and Jerome Polenz, all key players. He's proven in the past though he has the depth and publicly says he's unconcerned.

For Sydney, Terry McFlynn is again out injured but Lucas Neill is available, and Frank Farina must decide who lines up in defence after last week keeping the faith in the back four that kept a clean sheet against Central Coast, despite Fabio being available. It's likely the Socceroos captain will come in to partner Adam Griffiths in the centre of defence. On top of that, who will line up in goals? Vedran Janjetovic turned up late after being stuck in the infamous Sydney traffic, and as a result Ivan Necevski was given another chance, and he was outstanding against an at times relentless Victory attack. Farina says he'll decide when he's ready who's in.

They're one a piece, Western Sydney has been the better team this season, and Sydney FC have not been good away from home. However, they need this, and barring McFlynn are at full strength. Given who is out for the Wanderers it just may be the time to play them.

Tip: Sydney FC

Brisbane Roar v Melbourne Heart. Suncorp Stadium, Sunday 4:00 PM (EDT), FS1HD

Brisbane - 7th, 29pts, Heart (H), Sydney (H)
Heart - 9th, 27pts, Brisbane (A), Central Coast (A)

International Duty - Jade North

Brisbane are back home for their final two matches, two games left to sneak into the finals while Melbourne Heart go on the road for their last two, and you'd be living under a rock to not know that painful statistic – no wins outside of Victoria this season – in over a year in fact. They come up against a team that, although struggles away and has all but slipped out of contention from finals (I stand by last week's declaration that it's over for them), has soundly beaten them on their previous two occasions this season.

Up until Brisbane's visit to Gosford it looked like they might be back to their best, or close anyway, but the performance might have served more as a wake up call. Mike Mulvey said this week the absence of Socceroo Jade North was a big blow, but he's got a few options to partner James Donachie – Ivan Franjic could drop back again, regardless, the coach has defensive options. You'd expect Mitch Nichols will start, he's been one of the consistent positives off the bench recently and surely has earned it. They must react positively especially after going down at Bluetongue and missing a chance to push for the top 6. Brisbane and Perth really helped Sydney FC and Newcastle Jets last week.

Whilst the Big Blue will attract the big headlines, this match could feature the highest quality football, if both are at their best. Melbourne Heart are again without key men and the suspension of Simon Colosimo doesn't help. Last week against the Wanderers they were restricted to just 6 shots in the match. If they lose, they are definitely out. A promising start this season, but things have slowly unraveled.

In the visitors' favour though is the fact they've beaten Brisbane on their last two occasions (regardless of having fewer shots and less of the ball) and in fact are unbeaten from their past 5 encounters.

Regardless, Brisbane has been the better team in recent times and must click in the final third. I expect it to happen on their 100th match at Suncorp.

Tip: Brisbane

Adelaide United v Central Coast Mariners, Hindmarsh Stadium, Sunday 6:30PM (EDT), FS1HD

Adelaide - 4th, 40pts, Mariners (H), Perth
Central Coast - 2nd, 48pts, Adelaide (H), Heart (H)

International Duty - Eugene Galekovic, Mat Ryan, Michael McGlinchey

A top four battle with both goalkeepers missing to the Green and Gold – allowing 18 year old Paul Izzo his third chance in front of goal, while for the Mariners it's Justin Pasfield who'll again wear the gloves.

The Reds are back home and coming off a draw – Michael Valkanis admitted before kick off last week that internally they were still eyeing off 2nd spot, but that's off the table now and it's all about building confidence and momentum heading into the finals, and perhaps snatch 3rd spot along the way.

Central Coast finally got back in the winners' circle, and it was comprehensive against big rivals Brisbane Roar, important for many reasons – the points, confidence and proving a point to themselves after a string of losses.

Just a goal the difference, but it could have been more. Bernie Ibini continues to go from strength to strength and Daniel McBreen continues to search for that elusive 16th goal.

Some big players missing for both – not just to international duty but the injury to Marcelo Carrusca, one of Adelaide's best could prove damaging – importantly it's thought to be just a week out for the Argentine though.

A plus in Bruce Djite's name listed on the "ins" list this week – in fact Valkanis said last week he could have played. For the Mariners, regular right back Pedj Bojic is set to return from injury.

Central Coast will have to put the off-field financial dramas of the week aside. Between these issues that rear their ugly head from time to time, plus the heavy workload of A-League and Asian Champions League at this stage of the season the last few years, you can never accuse this club of doing things the easy way.

Head to head it's the away team with a huge advantage, in fact Adelaide have only beaten Central Coast twice in their last 16 attempts, and the visitors have won the last 7 encounters. Interestingly Graham Arnold's team has come from behind to win 3 of the past 4 matches as well. I'm providing these stats to confusingly tip a draw. Some key players missing – McGlinchey a big one, and the Reds have to show some fight at this stage of the season.

Tip: Draw

Wellington Phoenix 2, Newcastle Jets 1  *match completed

Wellington - 10th, 27pts, Victory (A)
Newcastle - 6th, 31pts, Wanderers (A)

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Watch every game of round 26 of the A-League, Live and Exclusive, and in stunning High Definition, on Fox Sports.

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French anti-doping chief calls for funding

THE president of the French Anti-Doping Agency (AFLD) on Thursday criticised leading international federations for not taking the fight against doping seriously enough.

Bruno Genevois also expressed his frustration at the time taken to put into place the measures required to carry out the fight against doping.

At a hearing at the Senate, the upper house of the French parliament, into the efficency of the anti-doping system, Genevois said the delay in putting plans into action was one of the biggest barriers to fighting doping efficiently at an international level.

"There is a discrepancy between those who believe (in fighting doping) and those who put it into practice," he said.

"For example, the international football federation (FIFA) dedicates 1.2 million euros ($A1.51 million) a year to the fight: that is 0.09 percent of their revenue of 1.394 billion euros ($A1.75 billion).

"For the Olympic federations, some sources say they dedicate 35 million euros ($A43.95 million) a year, while for tennis it is 1.3 million euros ($A1.63 million)."

Different sporting federations also apply very different methods when it comes to doping controls, Genevois added.

He said that, during the 2010 football World Cup in South Africa, "unofficial sources claimed that just four urine tests and one blood test were carried out for each competing nation over the course of a one-month competition".

"That seems to me to be completely insufficient."

Genevois also complained that the AFLD was set to be seriously hit by a cut in funding from the French government.

"We discovered in mid-February that the subsidy given to us would be reduced by a tenth in 2013," he said without revealing any exact figures.

"It is bad news even if the AFLD understands that those controlling public finances have to make certain choices."

According to Genevois, the government subsidy constitutes 90 percent of the AFLD's budget, which is believed to total around 9.2 million euros ($A11.55 million).

The Senate commission into the effectiveness of doping controls intends to hear in the near future from the organisers of various sporting events, including the Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO), which organises the Tour de France.

"The commission will hear from some of the leading event organisers," said Jean-Francois Humbert, a politician from the opposition UMP party who is the president of the investigating commission.

"I have no precise date, but I know it is something we will do.

"It has escaped nobody that we are talking a lot about cycling. ASO will be among those called forward."

The commission, set up at the end of February, has six months to complete its report, but should do so before the end of June, when the French parliament goes into summer recess.

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Video: Hird's stirring praise to Bombers

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Encouraging words ... James Hird pays tribute to his "outstanding" Bombers players. Source: Wayne Ludbey / News Limited

Essendon coach James Hird is confident a traumatic off-season has instilled in his AFL team the resilience they were missing.

 Hird has told his players they've climbed into the elite level, which wasn't the case in his previous two years in charge.

And he says it's remarkable they've achieved it while facing an anti-doping investigation, showing tenacity he believes will pay dividends when times get tough this season.

"We've spoken a lot about the resilience of this group and that maybe in the real hard times we haven't had that resilience that we need," Hird said in a speech to his players

"I'm confident that the one element that was missing has been built on and grown.

"That you're ready to take on that challenge and ready to go to the next level and play consistently quarter after quarter after quarter and back up when things don't go your way.

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"The mental capacity of you guys to do what you've done over the last six weeks and still come out and perform and train the way you've trained is outstanding."

Hird's speech, given earlier this week, aired on Essendon's show The Hangar on FOX FOOTY on Wednesday night.

So did a speech Bombers chairman David Evans gave to staff.

Evans said the club were confident they would find out whether players were given banned substances and uncover how ``irregular practices'' were allowed to develop at the club.

"Some of our systems, protocols and procedures failed us," Evans said.

"We want to make sure that that never happens again."

He said it was a traumatic time but the Bombers would end up better and stronger for it.

"I think it has galvanised us together and we want to take that into the season," Evans said.

That view was echoed by players.

Midfielder Brent Stanton said there were initial feelings of shock and disbelief when the scandal broke, while captain Jobe Watson admitted players became frightened when the scale of what they were facing hit home.

But they said the crisis had also caused them to stick tightly together as their teammates were the only ones who fully appreciated what each other were experiencing.

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Watch the video at the top of the page to get an all-access look at what Hird had to say to his troops.

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